How do you know when you need to change?

[julesdsm]

So this may seem like a dumb question, but I seriously need help. I hAve a four month old and I just switched to cloth diapers today. I am using AIO pocket diapers. With disposables I always just "felt" for wetness by pinching the diaper. With the cloth I am having a hard time telling. How do you do it?

[mamakaikai]

Basically I just stick my finger in to feel for wetness. With the AIO, I tend to put my hand between the cover and the fleece(we use fuzzie bunz)...be warned to take a peek first to check for poop to avoid messy hands!
But also with cloth, babes tend to feel it more and will let you know (fuss) when they are wet.

[JamieCatheryn]

With AIO's unless they're soaking wet you'll need to touch inside it to tell for sure. Cloth diapers do get denser and heavier once they're wet, but an AIO hides it pretty well.

[Pyrodjm]

We use prefolds and DD never cares whether her diaper is wet or not. We just change every 2-3 hours unless we smell poop or here here pooping.

[Galatea]

Just stick a finger in, or change every couple of hours.

[julesdsm]

Thanks for the responses. My Lo has never fussed over a wet or dirty diaper so I can't rely on that. But sticking my finger in per your suggestions seems to work just fine. Seems like an obvious solution now

Absolutely loving : wish I ha started it sooner!

[confustication]

We use prefolds (and sometimes covers) at home he's usually in *just* the prefold- I only put on a cover for naps/overnight... that makes it almost instant to see/notice when he needs to be changed- it also cuts way down on rash issues.

In a pocket or AIO we just changed him every couple hours. I love that with the prefolds I know instantly and he (at 9 months) has learned to fuss right away to let us know to change him. Overnight I line the prefold with microfleece so he doesn't get irritated by wetness. It works for us